Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does TAMECT do?How does TAMECT benefit Texas A & M?
Why join TAMECT?
Who can join TAMECT?
What training do I need to join TAMECT?
Who runs the first aid stations?
How do I get in contact with TAMECT to learn more?
TAMECT provides two main functions at Texas A&M: service and education. The service component of our organization consists of staffing basic life support (BLS) first aid stations at various University events. The education component is founded on our CPR and Basic First Aid classes, but also includes Medic in Charge, Operational Supervisor, and Mass Casualty Incident training programs.
How does TAMECT benefit Texas A&M?
TAMECT first aid stations provide valuable first line medical intervention at various Texas A&M events. Whether you just need some antibiotic cream and a Band-Aid or immediate life saving intervention, TAMECT is there with the knowledge and equipment to help. Most of the time TAMECT just makes life a little more convenient for people, and sometimes we do much more.
Why would someone want to join TAMECT?
Most people join TAMECT because they like helping people. It is both fun and rewarding to know that you made a difference in someone's day. In addition to having fun and helping people, members learn valuable skills they can use for the rest of their lives. The exposure to emergency medicine teaches you what to do when you encounter an emergency in your day to day life, when to call EMS, and how to manage a medical emergency while EMS is on the way. TAMECT also provides valuable experience to those interested in becoming a nurse, physician's assistant, doctor, or other health related personnel. TAMECT allows you to begin to develop bedside manners and experience before you begin official training in the field, and offers exposure to pre-hospital care, something you will not find in emergency room clinical rotations.
TAMECT membership is open to students, faculty, and spouses of faculty who have an honest desire to learn more about emergency medicine and help people.
What training do I need to join TAMECT?
Absolutely none.Anyone who wants to learn more about emergency medicine is welcome to join TAMECT. TAMECT will teach you all you need to know to start working with patients. In addition to the training provided on the field, each semester, TAMECT offers several first aid and American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR classes. TAMECT requires all members who are not current on their first aid and CPR skills to take advantage of these or similar classes offered by other organizations.
So, if prior training is not required to join TAMECT, who runs the first aid stations?
At each first aid station is a Medic in Charge, or MIC. All MICs are State of Texas or Nationally certified EMTs. In addition to the training required to receive their EMT certification, all MICs must complete TAMECT's in house training program. Through this program, TAMECT can assure that each MIC is proficient in his EMT skills, that he has a thorough knowledge of the equipment and protocols of TAMECT, and the ability to lead the other medics at his station in the event of an emergency. In addition to the MIC, each station is staffed with at least two other medics. At events where there is more than one first aid station, an operational supervisor works to coordinate the activities of the various stations. At football games TAMECT operates small carts, called mules, in addition to many first aid stations. Each mule carries all the equipment found in one of the stations and is staffed with a MIC and a driver.
How do I get in contact with TAMECT to learn more?
Feel free to email:TAMECTinfo@yahoo.com and we will try to answer your question as soon as possible.